Fluid-pressure engine.



c D. ROOT8.

FLUID PRESSURE ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 29, 1910. 1,1253%, Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

a SHEETS-SHEET 1.

J. D. B06138.-

FLUID PRESSURE ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 29, 1910. 1,125,722, Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

3 BHEETS-SHEET 2.

J. D, ROOTS.

ELUID PRESSURE ENGINE.

APPLIOATIOH rum) JUNE 29, 1910.

1,125,722. Patented Jan.19,1915.

3 SHEETS-SHBET 8.

' UNITED eTaTEsPagm-vr OFFICE. ames .onnurs Boers, or sonnon, snepnnnSpecification of Letters Patent.

fieteated an. .19., 1.9. 5

Application filed June 29, 1910. eria11o fififiaii.

-for propelling vehicles or the like, or for any :purposein-Which it isdesirable that the engine shall give a variable speed to the drivenshafiting'or the like. It enables the engine drive in either directionat any variation of speed between zero. and maximum.

Although the engine may be adapted for different kinds of fluid pressureand. applied to different purposes. I will proceed to describe it asconstructed for driving by means of explosion gases and as employed forpropolling vehicles.

My invention constitutes variable speed engines wherein any variation ofspeed from zero to a maximum may be provided in a forward or reversemotion ofthe engine.

An object of my invention is to provide a gas engine, wherein on theforward speed of the engine, the cylinders only, rotate, for reversemaximum speed. the crank oul rotates and for intermediate speed thecrank is rotated in one direction and the cylinders are rotated in anopposite direction.

Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a four stroke cycle internalcombustion engine constructed according to this invention. Fig. 2 isan-end elevation (part section) of Fig. 1. Fig.3 is a sectionalelevation of another example in which brake pulleys are employed insteadof frictional disks and the power may be transmitted from the powersleeve to a shaft parallel with it. Fig. i is a diagrauunatic sectionshowing the epicyclie or planetary bevel gear inside the main casing.Fig. 5 shows a more complete View of the water. cooling or circulatingWebs than those shown in Fig. 3 1 Figs. 6 and 7 are an elevation andplan respectively of the handbrake or clutch as employed with the bandpulleys shown in Fig.3.

in the cylinder A, the big end of 'thisrod fits directly on the crankpin C, while the big end D belonging to the cylinder A, surrounds andembraces the big end.of,the rod of the cylinder A. The other twobig endsare fitted respectively to the crank pin U in a similar manner.

l he valves shown in this embodiment of my invention are of the pistontype, .but any suitable form of valve may be employed. Two ofthevalves-E E in Fig. l. valve cylinders F 1 F F 3 by the cam H. 1-

In Figs. 1 and 2, the opposite piston valves E E are preferably operateddiare shown in section These are reciprocated 1n the rectly as shown bythe cam H. The camH,

is mounted upon and secured to a flange I carried by the power shaft orsleeve I. The two piston valves at right angles to those shown in Fig.1, those in the valve cylinders F F. do not show in Figs. 1 and 2. The

valves may be operated in any suitable manner but it will be observedthat in Figs. 1.

and 2 which show a four stroke cycleinternal combustmn engine, the valvegear is mounted upon the power sleeve I which may rotate at a difterentspeed to that of either the cylinder element or the crank or like shaftelement.

The central cylinder casing J is mounted on ball bearings K K on theshaft 0, and the latter is conveniently mounted on the channels L L ofthe vehicle. The central casino; 3 of the cylinders A A A A has securedthereto the bevel gear wheel M,"

which therefore rotates with the cylinders. The bevel gear wheel N iskeyed to the crank shaft C.

The sleeve l comprises two sections P and bearings K K supported on "theframe r tion C of the shaft C in a manner hereinafter described. Thesection 1 which is of uniform diameter, surrounds the shaft C and isspaced therefrom, and said section 1 at'its outer end, is secured to theinner end of the section I. As illustrated, the outer end of section Iis reduced at 1* and secured to a collar 1', which is fastened to atubular shaft 1" journaled on the reduced portion C of the shaft (3. Asshown, opp sitely-disposed, radial pins 0 are rigidly secured to theinside of the section Iand on the pins are pivotally mounted bevelwheels P. The bevel wheels I are of the same size as the bevels N and M,and are continually in engagement with them. There may be two or moreplanetary or epicyclic gear wheels P.

Secured on the outer end of the tubular shaft 1 is aworm Q, which mesheswith a worm Q9, indicated in broken lines, which can cooperate with anysuitable gearing and transmission means, as indicated at Q, (3, forfurnishing power.

The shaft 0 on the other side of the cylinders has keyed to it the diskIt. The disk S is rigidly secured to the cylinders by means of theflanged, annular boss S which also serves to carry the outer ring of theball bearing K.

Mounted loosely upon the shaft 0 is the drum orcasing T inclosing thedisks R b. The inner and opposite surfaces of the easing T are adaptedto frictionally engage with the surface of either of the disks it, b.The casing T is held. from rotation, but is adapted to be movedlongitudinally or axially on the shaft C, so as to engage either of thedisks R, S.

The explosive mixture is fed to the cylinders by means of the radialpipes E which are connected to the annular distributing chamber E lartoi the annular chamber E" is tixedto. and rotates with the radial pipesE while the outer or cover ring E is stationary, and is connected to andheld by the pipes E (shown only in Fig. 2) leading from the carburetoror like sup 'ily. Or the petrol or nozzles may be litted in choke tubesfitted at ll the jets being fed from a stationary lloat iced chamber oithe usual kind. The mixture passes into each cylinder controller l bythe valves before mentioned. Any other suitable kind ol yalvc may be.employed.

Each exhaust valve cylinder outlet has screwed therein the T Z. Each endof each T ha screwed therein the curved length of pipe 7.. "he pipes 7.are employed as a vehicle. or carrier for the U-sccljion rings U,

which are secured thereto. The pipes Z are cut longil'iulinallyvlorni'inn slots. Z of wl'lich there may be two. lhree or any convenicnl: number. Each ring: l fits closely over the tube 71 and issuitably secured.

rings ll partly shown. The rapid rotation thereto. Each ring fitsclosely next to the ring following and leaves only a small annularoutlctlfor the exhaust gases which are thus divided up and presented tothe outer air at the edge of each ring while the rings rapidly rotate,so causing the exhaust to be practically silent. The inner channel orpassage way for the exhaust is continuous side around the circle ofexhaust cooling of the rings not only serves to cool the exhaust gasescoming in contact with them, but also by rotation to assist in thedispersal or removal of the gases by suction injection or ejection. Theexhaust pipe Z and its double U-section rings are shown broken oil' onthe left side of Fig. 2.

The embodiment of this invention ShuWIl in Figs. 1 and 2, are in slowlyrotating engines, or in engines of larger size or working on atwo-stroke cycle, provided with the water cooling ribs operating bycentrifugal action hereinafter described.

ignition is etfectcd in any suitable manner but preferably by contactscarried by the cam disk H, or the sleeve 1.

If neither of the frictional disks R, S, is

in frictional engagement with the drum casing T, then the engine willnot transmit any power, and the cylinders and the crank shaft willrotate free in opposite directions at approximately the same speeds,what difforei'icc there may be being due to hearing and air resistances.When the crank shaft is retarded by bringing the disk R into contactwith the drum easing Tmthe cylinders are accelerated. The gear wlmel Nis also retarded with the shaft 0, and forms an abutment or fulcrumwheel upon which the bevel pinions l now roll, being driven forward bythe gear wheel M which is fixed to the cylinders and which partakestherefore ol their acceleration. The power shaft or sl eve 1 is dr venforward at a speed which is half of the dillerence between the two siceds. 2'. (a that of the cylinders and that ol the sha t't C. As theshaft C is further retul'dcd the speed of the power shaft increasesuntil it becomes a maximum when the shaft (7 is arrested. If it isdesired to l'li 'tlrl the car. the disk S connected tothe cylind rs isetarded, and the power shaft or sleeve is driven in the reversedirection in :u-cordanrc with the degree of retardation of the disk q.

lieteri'inr to Fig. 3 which shows another embodiment of my invention asapplied to a two stroke cycle internal-combustion engine having twoworking cylinders, the essential element's although constructeddifi'erently are similarly lettered as far as possible. These elementsare the cylinders A A mounted to rotate on the crank shaft C, the bevelgear wheel M secured to the cylinders A A. the corresponding bevel gearwheel N secured to the crank shaft C, and the epicyclic or planetarypinions P mounted on the radial pins 0, which are carried by and serveto drive the sleeve or power sh aft and casing 1. In this examplehowever. the

means for retarding or arresting one of the elements is shown as a brakeband, pulley S fixed to the cylinders A A while a similar pulley R iskeyed to the crank shaft. The system is mounted on the bearings ii Kwhich are in this example shown as ordinary bearings, the bearings K Itbeing supported on the channels L. In this, example the pistons arediiferential, the working portions B B being provided with ends oflarger diameter B B". The two pistons on opposite sides of the crank pinare rigidly held together by the four rods Y Y, two of which only showin the section. The larger diameters B" B of the pistons recip: rocatein the larger diameters A A of the cylinders, and serve as air pumps todeliver the charges of air and mixture drawn into the annular spaces A Aand delivered each to the opposite working cylinder. One of the pipes Ais shown on the one side, the corresponding delivery pipe on the otherside of the engine is omitted for the sake of clearness. The pipe Adelivers the air and the working charge Which is drawnt'rom the outerair and from a carburetor or the like by means of inlet valves of usualand known construction to the annular chamber or pump space A, and onthe return stroke of the piston B, the air or charge or mixture isdelivered to the working cylinder A by the pipe A n The air and mixtureare kept separate as .far as possible by employing two inlet valves (notshown) the one admitting air only to the pipe A, and the other drawingfrom a carburetor or the like on the other side of the cylinder to theannular space A. Thus the air is delivered to the working cylindersbefore the mixture.

The same action takes place by means of the pipe (omitted) on the otherside of the cylinders from the annular pump chamber A to Workingcylinder A. The ignition is efiected in any suitable manner but the contact pieces or the like are preferably car.- ried by the sleeve orcasing I. h

As shown in Fig. 3, the crank pin C is provided with a bearing W, theinner surface of which embraces and fits the crank pin C and the outersurface of which is flat, the outside of the bearing W being of I squaresection, and adapted to slide laterally between the cross head guides WEV which ga'rle rigidly fixed to the pistons B and 13 respectively. Itis obvious that a short ordinary connecting rod might be employedponnecting one of these pistons, say B to the crankp'in C in the;ordinary manner instead of the arrangement shown.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, these are elevation and plan of theretarding pulleys R and S shown in Fig. The brake bands R and aresecured to the portion of the var frame channel L by bolts to the pieceof wood or the like shown. he spindle or shat't It is suitably mountedin bearings and is adapted to be operated by pedals, so

that when given a partial rotation in one direction, it will tighten thebands upon the pulley R and correspondingly loosen them upon the pulley6 It the spindle R is turned in the other direction, the bands aretightened on the pulley S and loosened on the pulley H This is eii'ectedby connectmg the two ends of each band as shown to opposite rods R R,which are mounted on cross plates R fixed to the, spindle R in thisexample F 1g. 3, a sprocket wheel is shownfixed to the power sleeve 1,for congyeying the power from the power sleeve or.

shaft to a parallel shaft not shown. In other respects, the action ofthe apparatus for obtaining the variation of speeds is the same asbefore described.

Instead of the cooling ribs being solid as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, theribs are in this example formed hollow of sheet metal.

This is advisable in this engine working onthe two stroke cycleconstructed according to this invention, as a greater number of ex-.plosions may take place in a given time. This construction obviates thenecessity for an extraneous supply of water. The thin sheet metal ribs Vare so formed when fitted as a water tight casing or covering over thecylinders A A that'a small space is left for water. The water extendsinto the hollow ribs V and surrounds the cylinders. This is shown moreclearly in Fig. 0. The two or more ribbed sheet metal ackets areconnected together by a pipe V, which con- -inder jacket V while thehotter and lighter water moves toward the center of the revolvmg mass,whether the engine has two, four.

or more cylinders. The water circulates automatically by centr fugalaction. Two

pipes as V may be fitted on opposite sides of the cylinders, In Fig. 5the ribbed jacket is shown with two thin sheet metal casings or wallsfitting over the cyllnder, but the ribbed outer wall only is essential,as this brings the water in actual contact with the outer surface of thecylinder.

Referring to Fig. 4-, this shows diagrammatically a modification inwhich the epicyclic or planetary bevel gear is inclosed within therotating cylinder casing, carrying the cylinders A A, in this example,the pistons l3 B- are connected to eccentrics W \Y" which are rigidlylixed at 180 apart as to their maximum eccentricities upon the sleeve W'ihe l dStCIlS 15 ll are ciiinnected to the ececntricsby the connectingrods D l). 'l'he gear wheel N is also fixed to the said eccentrics andsleeve. The bevel gear M is fixed to the rotating cylinders A A. Theradial pins 0 are fixed in the boss or incraised dianieter of the powershaft I, and carry the cpicyclic pinions I l. The brake band pulley S isfixed to the cylinders, and the brake band pulley R to the eccentricssleeve \Y", which is the equivalent of the crank shaft in the otherexamples shown. The action of the apparatus by retardation of one of thepulleys is like that before described in giving a variation of speed tothe power shaft l. No valves are shown in this example, which may bedriven by any suitable fluid pressure.

What I do claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patentis 1. in engines a rotatably mounted shaft, cylinders rotatably mountedon the shaft, means for simultaneously rotating the shaft in onedirection and the cylinders in the opposite dircction. frictional meanssecured to the cylinders, frictional means secured to the shaft, andnon-rctatable means adapted to be brought selectively into frictionalcontact with the said frictional means on either the said cylinders orshaft in order to vary the speed of rotation.

2. In an engine, a rotatably mounted crank shaft, cylinders rotatabl ymounted on the crank shaft, means for sn'mdtancously rotating the shaftin one direction and the cylinders in the opposite dirdction. a frietion disk fixed to the cylinders, a friction disk fixed to the shaft,"and a member movable axially upon the shaft and adapted to be broughtselectively into frictional contact with one or the other of thefrictional disks. l

3. An engine comprising a shaft mounted in bearings and adapted torotate in one direction, cylinders mounted on the shaft and adapted torotate in the opposite direction mechanism co-acting for rotating saidshaft and said cylindersin opposite directions, frictional meansrotatable with said shaft, frictionaf means rotatable with saidcylinders, and a member adapted to be selectively brought intofrictional contact with either of said frictional means.

4. In an engine, a rotatable crank shaft, cylinders rotatably mounted onthe shaft, pistons in said cylinders, connected for rotating said shaftin one direction and said cylinders in the opposite direction, a gearwheel carried by said cylinders, a gear wheel carried by said shaft, apower shaft, :1 gear wheel or wheels carried by said power shaft,

which gear meshes with the said gear wheel carried by the said cylindersand with the said gear wheel carried by the shaft, and frictional meansfor retarding or stopping the rotation of either the shaft or thecylinders.

5. in an internal combustion engine, a rotatably mounted shaft,cylinders rotatably mounted on the shaft, bearings for supporting theshaft and cylinders, the bearings bcing arranged so that the shaft mayrotate in one direction and the cylinders in the opposite direction,afriction clutch member secured to the cylinders, a friction clutchmember secured to the shaft, a non-rotatiible member mounted between thetwo clutch members adapted to be selectively brought into frictionalcontact with either of the friction clutch members for retarding orstopping the same.

(3. In an engine, a rotatably mounted crank shaft, cylinders rotatablymounted on the crank shaft, bearings for supporting the .sha'ft andcylinders. the bearings being arranged so that the shaft; may rotate inone direction and the cylinders in the opposite tlll'tttitill, afriction clutch member fixed to the cylinders. a friction clutch memberlixcd to the shaft, frictional means for retarding of arresting one ofthe two friction lutch members. a transmission shaft, piniens mountedfor retation on said transmision shaft, a gear wheel lixed to thecylinders, a gear wheel fixed to the shaft, each of the said gear wheelsmeshing with the pinions mounted on the transmission shaft.

'3'. An engine comprising a rotatable shaft, means rotatable on theshaft for converting linid pressure. into power, said means and the saidshaft rotating in oppositedirections, a clutch member secured to theshaft, a clutch member -l(ll10(l to said means rotatable on the shaft,means for frictionally retarding or arresting one of the said clutchmembers. a gear wheel secured to the shaft, a gear wheel secured to thefirst mentioned power means, a sleeve concentrically mounted on theshaft, :1. gear wheel meshing with both of said gear wheels for drivingthe sleeve at progressively varying speeds in either direction.

8. In fluid pressure engines, a rotatable crank shaft, cylindersrotatahly mounted on the crank shaft, pistons in the cylindersoperatirely connected with the crank shaft, said crank shaft andcylinders being adapted to rotate in opposite directions, a frictionclutch member secured to the said cylinder, a friction clutch membersecured to the erank shaft, a tubular transmission shaft concentricallymounted on the crank shaft. and a differential gearing connecting thetransmission shaft ilh the cranl-r shaft and the cylinders, saiddifferential gearing including a gear wheel secured to the cylin =ders,a gear wheelsecured to the crank shaft,

and a gear wheel rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft and meshingwith the gear wheels on the crank shaft and cylinders.

9. In an internal combustion engine, a

inders, a friction clutch member secured to the shaft a tubulartransmission shaft concentrically mounted on the crank shaft, and

a differential gearing connecting the transmission shaft with the crankshaft and the cylinders, said differential gearing including a pinionsecured to the crank shaft, a pinion secured to the cylinders, andpinions rotatably mounted on the transmission sh aft and meshing withthe first mentioned pinions.

10. In an internal combustion engine, a crank shaft, cylinders rotatablymounted on the crank shaft, valves for the cylinders, pistons in thecylinders, connecting rods coacting with the pistons for rotating theshaft, and,adapted to rotate the cylinders in the opposite direction, afriction clutch member secured to the cylinders a friction clutch membersecured to the shaft, a tubular transmission shaft concentricallymounted on the crank shaft, a differential gearing connecting thetransmission shaft with the crankshaft and the cylinders, and meansfixed on said tubular transmission shaft for operating the valves.

11. In an internal combustion engine, a

rotatable crank shaft, cylinders rotatably mounted on the shaft, valvesfor the cylinders, pistons in thecylinders, connected to and rotatingthe shaft and adapted to ro tate the cylinders in the oppositedirection, a friction clutch member and a wheel securedto saidcylinders, a friction clutch member and a gear wheel secured to saidshaft, a tubular shaft concentrically mounted on said shaft carryingdifferential pinions meshing with the gear wheels carried by 'saidcylinders and said shaft, frictional shaft, a rotary driven element, adifferential gearing connecting the rotary driven element with both ofsaid power elements, means for retarding the movement of one of saidpower elements to effect variations in speed of the driven element,valves for the engine cylinders, andvalve operating mechanismoporativeiv connected with the said rotary driven element.

'13. In an internal combustion engine, a rotatable crank shaft,cylinders rotatably mounted on the shaft, valves for the cylinders,pistons in the cylinders connected to and rotating the shaft and adaptedto ro tate the cylinders in the opposite direction, a friction clutchmember and a gear wheel secured to said cylinders, a friction clutch ineither direction from zero to maximum, and means carried by said powershaft for operating the valves.

14. In an engine. a power shaft element, a second power elementcomprising cylinders and pistons operatively connectedwith the saidpower shaft and rotatable in the opposite direction to the direction ofrotation of the power shaft, rotary driven element, a did'erentialgearing connecting the rotary driven element with both of the said powerelements, and means for directly retarding or arresting the movement ofone of said power elements to effect variations in speed of the drivenelement.

15. In an engine, a power shaft element, a second power elementcomprising cylinders and pistons operatively connected with the saidshaft and r tatable in the opposite direction to the direction ofrotation of the said power shaft, a driven element rotatable in eitherdirection, a differential gearing connecting the driven element withboth of said power elements, and means for retarding the mo cment'ofthe, said power ele ments to effect var'ations in speed of the drivenelement in both directions.

16. In an engine, a power shaft element, a second power elementcomprising cylindors and pistons operatively connected with the saidpower shaft and rotatable in the opposite direction to the direction ofrotation of the power shaft. av rotary driven element. a singledifferential gearing connecting the rotary driven element with both ofsaid power elements, and means for retardins; or arresting the movementof one of said power elements to effect variations in speed of thedriven element.

17. In an engine, a power shaft element, a second power elementcomprising cylinders and pistons operatively connected with the saidpower shaft and rotatable in the opposite direction to the direction ofrotation of the )ower shaft, a rotary driven element, a (1i erentialgearing connecting the rotary driven element with both of the'said powerelements, and means for retarding the movement of either of said powerele- 1O ments, or arresting the movement of either one of said powerelements to effect variations in speed of the driven element.

JAMES DENNIS ROOTS.

\Vitnesses RIPLEY \VuisoN HERBERT D. JAMEBON

